Emma Hamilton

In Defence of the Queen of Naples

“…Nelson never changes, Nelson never abandons his friends in distress, on the contrary those are the moments that knit him closer to them. Nelson you know his heart vouch for the uprightness of your old friend…”]

Horatio Nelson, autograph letter signed (“Nelson”), to Emma Hamilton , asking her to defend his conduct to the Queen of Naples, 1 page, Palermo, 25 January 1799

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A Dream of Emma

“…Last night I did nothing but dream of you altho' I woke 20 times in the night. In one of my dreams I thought I was at a large table you was [sic] not present, sitting between a Princess who I detest and another, they both tried to seduce me and the first wanted to take those liberties with me which no woman in this world but yourself ever did, the consequence was I knocked her down and in the moment of bustle you came in and taking me to your embrace wispered I love nothing but you my Nelson, I kissed you fervently and we enjoy'd the height of love, oh Emma I pour out my my soul to you...”

Horatio Nelson, autograph letter, unsigned, to Emma Hamilton, 29 January [1800?]

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You are Present Wherever I go...

“…My Dear dear friend, You are present wheresoever I go, all my prayers and vows are for our happy meeting and when we are to part no more. Remember me most affectionately to Mrs Thomson, Tell her her dear friend is as well as can be expected and has a comfort in firmly believing her constant…”

Horatio Nelson, autograph letter signed (“Nelson & Bronte”), to Emma Hamilton, shortly after the birth of their daughter, here disguised as the child of “Mrs Thomson”, and written before his departure on active service in the Baltic, 4 pages, HMS St George, 7 March 1801

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